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Clean Estate Car: 1973 Datsun 240Z

This 1973 Datsun 240Z is a project car that came up for grabs out of the estate of the deceased owner. It is a non-runner in seemingly rust-free condition with a gorgeous color combo of white over red/gray interior. I can’t recall ever seeing a 240Z with a red interior like this, and it is a striking combination. The 240Z may look woebegone siting on flat tires, but the appearance is more that of a car that’s been temporarily forgotten than abandoned long-term. The engine looks nicely updated and detailed, and the slim chrome bumpers are in excellent condition. It’s listed here on eBay with no reserve and bidding to just over $10K. The Z car is located in Tuscon, Arizona.

While early Series 1 240Zs are all the rage (and certainly the most valuable models you can buy these days), a later 240Z represents a lower cost of entry with all of the same styling details that make enthusiasts prefer the older cars. The smaller chrome bumpers are among the most desirable features, as the next iteration of the Z car fell victim to the larger bumpers mandated by safety requirements. This example looks incredibly clean from all angles, with excellent chrome, minty taillights, period wheels in great shape, and rear window louvers that are still black and lustrous. A plate frame from a Z car performance shop would seem to confirm this example definitely belonged to an enthusiast.

The red surfaces in the cabin are a surprise, as most Z cars of this vintage seemingly have all black interiors, almost universally. The contrasting red door panels, headliner, and cargo bay surfaces are extremely sharp, and if it’s factory, I have to wonder if it had a low take rate when new. Regardless, it remains in good condition, but the seller doesn’t include any photos of the seats so it’s hard to tell for sure if any significant restoration work will be required inside. While no full pictures of the dash are included, what you can see appears to show an uncracked dash – a holy grail find among Z-car enthusiasts. An aftermarket radio has been installed, with a remote control included.

The engine bay looks to be nicely detailed, and the Redline carbs are a great upgrade from a company that knows a thing or two about carb tuning. The listing references an “additional motor” that the seller suspects is the original mill, but there’s no photos and no further reference as to any evidence that suggests the currently installed engine isn’t original. Regardless, if this 240Z comes with a spare engine, it looks like a better deal than it was already shaping up to be. With no reserve and a clean, dry body that’s clearly been shown lots of love, the current bid price seems like a bargain – but I doubt it will stay there for long.

Comments

  1. Avatar JudoJohn

    Nice car. To be clear, those are Weber carburetors with Redline air filters.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Mr.BZ

    I still have faith that I will find another Z before I am too old and feeble to climb in and out of it! Nice car, GLWTS!

    Like 5
  3. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    Sold for $12,785

    Like 3
  4. Avatar DRV

    Damn, someone stole it!

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Robert

    i could not make out the z car liceanse plate frame but i sure can tell you that the red interior is one thing that is rare and i know this do to when i first became a mechanic i worked for my father in law which was the owner of Redondo beach Z world and they were the first cars i worked on for 15yrs lol the other auto shop was called Pegusist garage in california too. what you need to look out for isthat most people would change out the motor (240z) to the (280z) and put the 240 intake and all other acessaries on it and it made one heck of a rocket ship after the swaps. Iv even done a 327cui wap on a fairlady z to ( Fairlady right hand drive) they make these cars to really scream going down the road.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Brian Lamb

    Please spell it Tucson.Not Tuscon.

    Like 0

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